Hi Rob,I had forgotten all about the OKTB step. For those unfamilar with new vehicle launches, this is Ford's "production shakeout" period. Basically, they produce a limited number of vehicles and then closely inspect them to look for any manufacturing issues introduced with a new model. Once they have completed some sort of internal sign off, the OKTB is achieved and units can start shipping out. Until OKTB is achieved no units will leave the plant (at least that is how I understood it). It is a significant milestone for a new product launch. I would guess this one should happen relatively quickly since the 6G is similar to the 5G, so I wouldn't expect significant production line changes. If I recall correctly when the 5G launched it took like 6 weeks to get OKTB (but my memory could be failing me). That was very different though as they'd never produced a Ranger at MAP before the 5G started.
So is OK to ship = OKTB? If my memory serves me correctly, in the 5G rollout some of those 4P vehicles were used in some of the "dog and pony shows" they did around the country before they were available in dealers.Hi Rob,
The way it used to go, and I think is still the case, the small vehicle run of new vehicles is called 4P, Pre Production Product Proveout, this is a small build of vehicles that are salable but not Job 1 level and are usually used or internal purposes or crushed. Once the AIMS deck of assembly related issuse is resolved there is an OK to proceed to Job 1. Then at Job 1 the launch team drives and evaluates the first vehicles off the line and if to design intent a OK to Ship is issued and the units are then delivered through a gate to the Rail Shipper or Haul a way trucking company. At that time, Ford receives their $ for the units. The rail shipper or haul a way company now owns the units.
best,
Phil
Yep...Okay to Ship. Dog and pony shows are sometimes a good use for 4P units. They can be sold to individuals with VP approval, a very unusual process and rarely done. None of my 4P units were sold to individuals, but my 4P FX4 were used by Port Authority of NY and NJ post 9-11. Then crushed afterwards except for one unit that was proudly displayed at World Headquarters, all banged up, dented and dirty. Sat there for a month...quite an honor to me....So is OK to ship = OKTB? If my memory serves me correctly, in the 5G rollout some of those 4P vehicles were used in some of the "dog and pony shows" they did around the country before they were available in dealers.
That article lost a lot of credibility with me when they said:That article is nothing but speculation and guesswork, typical of that website in my experience.
You said what I was trying to say a lot better - my point being that even though Job 1 has started that doesn't mean they are shipping - there is still another step before any will leave the factory.Yep...Okay to Ship. Dog and pony shows are sometimes a good use for 4P units. They can be sold to individuals with VP approval, a very unusual process and rarely done. None of my 4P units were sold to individuals, but my 4P FX4 were used by Port Authority of NY and NJ post 9-11. Then crushed afterwards except for one unit that was proudly displayed at World Headquarters, all banged up, dented and dirty. Sat there for a month...quite an honor to me....
Best,
Phil